Photo shoots have several key significant players that make a successful photo shoot.

It is important as a makeup artist to understand your role while maximizing your talent, creativity, and contribution to the rest of the team. As a makeup artist it’s more than just having a great kit with beautiful products and a bubbly personality. The art of makeup is a craft and it is an essential part to any photo shoot. The makeup artist is in a position to use their artistic skills to transform the face of the model, through their skills the look of the image can be taken to a higher level. I recently worked with Jodi Jones on a Photo shoot for the clothing line JordanWolk. I am going to outline for you several helpful tips that I used while working on this photo shoot.

Tip#1: Understanding the style and desires of the client is the first step that I take when preparing for a photo shoot.

The theme for this shoot was “Alice and Wonderland.” Often times the client will give you tear sheets or photos for inspiration. It is so important to understand how the client visualizes the makeup because everyone’s interpretation is different. Make sure that you always ask for the inspiration in addition to doing your own research and bringing additional images for inspiration. You always want to be prepared and don’t be afraid to ask specific questions regarding the makeup so that you can have a clear visual picture of how you are going to execute the look.

Tip#2: Research the work of the photographer you are working with and be familiar with their style and the type of work that they do.

On the photo shoot make sure that you introduce yourself to the photographer and the entire photography team. Remember that the photographer is the director of the shoot and you are there to assist them in making a beautiful image. When I initially did the eye makeup on this model the client felt that the color was a bit too dark and dramatic. Jodi expressed her concern that she agreed with the client, so as a makeup artist you have to ask specific questions about the changes that are needed. Jodi suggested that we lighten the color on the lid and inner corner of the eye. I showed Jodi and the client what colors I was going to use and I made the changes. It is important to find out from the photographer what they need you to do to make the best image.

Tip#3: It is very important to understand your model.

Often times your model may be very young in age or may even have a language barrier. I always try to make my model comfortable because I am in their intimate space. Pay attention to the energy level of the model. If they are hungry or thirsty be proactive and go get them something to eat or drink. The model is a key part of the shoot so you want to be positive and have great energy when working with them.

Tip#4: The guidelines have been given to you from the client and the photographer, now it’s time to express your skills and creativity within the framework that they have provided for you.

This is when you have fun and you tap into your gift. Make sure you have all the materials that you need to execute the look and if you don’t have them, then you must learn to create them. Give it your all and put love into what you do.

I am doing a live photo shoot on Oct 27th & Oct 28th for HASSELBLAD and BRONCOLOR. Hasselblad is the finest camera producer in the world. Broncolor is the premiere lighting source loved by photographers.

I will be shooting live for of hundreds of photographers and creatives at an event called “Shoot-NYC” (next door to Photo Expo at the Jacob Javitz Center). This will take place at the Terminal Building, 608 West 28th Street @ 11th Ave. on October 27th & 28th, 10AM-5PM.

Both Hasselblad and Broncolor will produce the shoot and a digital tech on-site will be processing large beautiful retouched prints during the session.

So come out and say hi, and see how cool the Hasselblad and Broncolor lighting are!! Meet some cool people and perhaps learn some new techniques at one of the pro workshops!